Steven Lenoir died on Monday, June 5, after crashing at a French Internatianal motocross race at Cassel in his native France. He was 25.
Steven Lenoir first shot to fame at an international level after claiming the EMX250 title in 2010. The series, which acts as a proving ground for rising stars, was hotly contested that year, as Lenoir duked it out with stars like Valentin Guillod and Julien Lieber. ‘685’ won five motos across the season and eventually established an incredible advantage of fifty points.
It was after that that Lenoir first arrived in Britain, as he landed a deal with the Samsung Yamaha team in 2012. Four moto podiums were acquired in his maiden season in the Maxxis British Championship and then in the years that followed he emerged as a title contender. Lenoir claimed the prestigious MX2 title in the Maxxis British Championship in 2015, following an incredible season with the Dyer and Butler KTM team that included seventeen finishes inside of the top three. A championship in the Michelin MX Nationals was also captured that season.
An MX1 title was the next achievement that Lenoir was closing in on, as he was just four points out of the series lead in the Maxxis British Championship. Consistency was once again his greatest strength through the first four rounds of this year; he did not drop out of the top five at all.
Steven Lenoir won the hearts of everyone within the paddock with his smooth style, easy-going nature and fierce work ethic both in the United Kingdom and MXGP, and achieved what most can only dream of in his illustrious career. A substantial hole will be left in the paddock from this day on.
Now we need your help to support Steven’s family in their time of need as they come to terms with this dreadful tragedy.
Beautifully written by: Sean Lawless and MX Vice
You can help support Steven Lenoir’s family by donating to his cause here. All donations are in USD. If you are unable to financial support his cause, please help by sharing on your social sites by clicking the “Facebook or Twitter” icons. You can also help by leaving a positive message for the family to read below.
The nicest guy in mx it was a honor to no you Steven , we at Ebracing will have a picture of you Steve on our workshop wall , you will never be forgotten Rip #685
Always in our hearts!
Modest and unassuming quietly spoken young man. A gentleman of the sport. Our championship will not be the same without you. Steve McCauley. Maxxis Race Director.
Gone but never forgotten RIP #685 keep riding up there
Spoke to Steven a few times, always very polite and dedicated to the sport that he loved. He will be sorely missed here in the UK where he had many friends and supporters.
You were an insperation to so many. I can honestly say the pit box here in the uk will surely miss your presence. Ride in Peace Stevo. #685
Bon courage à ses proches et toute mes coodoleance encore une triste nouvelle dans le monde du motocross
We are so grateful for the time we got to spend with you. You were part of the family and always will be. Your enthusiasm, passion and dedication for the sport you loved was profound. We learnt so much from you.
We love you and miss you.
RIP Steven
The Divalls xxxxx
Great rider, but first of all a great person. It has been an honour to see you riding, you will be forever remembered.
Ride in heaven Steven! #685
I didn’t know Steven very well but have been taking pictures of him since he started competing in the UK. His style on the bike made most of the images look good instantly.
A month ago I invited him for a brief photo-shoot and that was when I could finally relate with what I always heard of his personality: here was one of the most chilled out and unassumed riders in the MX world in front of my camera lens.
In only 15min I understood that Steven Lenoir was someone exceptional and it makes me very sad that I will not get to meet him again to talk about that day. I’ll truly miss him.
My thoughts are with his family and all his close friends in this difficult time.
Just made a donation for $530 which was crowd funded by the kind people of steemit.
Steven was a great talent in the sport and was looked up to by many. He has inspired a lot of riders with his skill and passion for motocross. Ride in peace brother.
If you want to see the donation page and tribute to Steven you can find it here.
https://steemit.com/motocross/@b0y2k/rip-ride-in-peace-steven-lenoir-1992-2017-tribute-and-donation
Thank you for your kind words and support of the family. The tribute site is well written and beautifully done. Thank you!